MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 14, 2013 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is
pleased to announce the release of the 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX. With rally-bred performance credibility built in the FIA World Rally
Championship (WRC) and laps spent racing on Germany's famed
Nurburgring, Subaru has learned lessons about high-performance
engineering and applied these insights to the production-ready WRX. The
2014 WRX and WRX Limited are the vehicle of choice for driving
enthusiasts who also need versatility.

The WRX shares the wide body design first introduced on the WRX STI,
underscoring the high-performance character of these models. The WRX
4-door design is based on a "wide and low" concept that gives the car
an aggressive road presence featuring fenders that are stretched wider
than the tail lamps, which accentuates a look of stability.

In front, sharpened bumper corners accentuate an assertive profile. A
jutting lip spoiler with three-dimensional detailing and blacked-out
Subaru wing highlight the headlights' shape to give the entire front
end a powerful appearance, accentuated by its large grille and bumper
intake openings. The WRX also features a version of Subaru's polished
stainless steel quad-tailpipe exhaust.

Both the 4-door and 5-door are powered by a 265-horsepower
turbocharged/intercooled 2.5-litre SUBARU BOXER engine teamed with a
5-speed manual transmission. The highly responsive engine produces 244
lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.

Standard Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive gives the WRX a
significant handling/performance advantage over its front-wheel-drive
competitors. This complete system comprised of the SUBARU BOXER engine
and its full-time AWD power distribution system benefit from a
horizontally opposed layout, which naturally cancels out vibration and
helps balance the vehicle. The aluminum SUBARU BOXER engine and
efficient, symmetrical drivetrain layout help to lower the car's centre
of gravity, which in turn contributes to its sporty handling
characteristics.

The 2014 WRX uses a viscous-coupling limited-slip centre differential to
distribute torque 50/50, regardless of conditions. Subaru's standard
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and Traction Control System
equip drivers with excellent evasive capabilities. Hill Holder,
featured on all models equipped with a manual transmission, helps
prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when being driven away from a
stop on an incline.

Sporty, Spacious and Versatile Interior

WRX models feature Anthracite Black Cloth upholstery accented by red
stitching, setting the tone for its sporty interior. All WRX models are
equipped with standard aluminum-alloy pedal covers and driver's
footrest. Performance-design front seats integrate the backrest and
head restraint into a single structure. As a sporty accent, the
instrument panel electroluminescent gauges use indicator needles that
sweep the gauge faces upon engine start-up. Steering wheel controls for
the audio system, cruise control and Bluetooth are standard for all
2014 WRX models. The WRX Limited features a standard power sunroof and
leather-trimmed upholstery.

An advanced AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio system with six speakers is standard.
This system also includes a MediaHub for iPod/USB audio integration
with Bluetooth streaming audio and a voice-activated Bluetooth system
for mobile phone connectivity. SIRIUS Satellite Radio capability is
standard, while a three-month trial subscription is included for the
WRX Limited.

The compact layout of the double-wishbone rear suspension helps to
minimize intrusion into the cargo area, providing a wide and deep
luggage compartment. In the 5-door model, the wide and flat load floor
can accommodate two tour-size golf bags with the rear seatbacks in the
upright position. In the 4-door model, which is 165 mm (6.5 in.) longer
than the 5-door, the trunk can accommodate three tour-size golf bags. A
60/40-split folding rear seat further boosts cargo capacity and
convenience, and the 4-door also features a folding rear-seat centre
armrest.

Proven Subaru Safety Technology

WRX models are built around the advanced ring-shaped reinforcement frame
body structure with front and rear crumple zones, proven in Subaru
models for over a decade to provide outstanding crash protection. All
WRX models feature 4-wheel disc brakes with Subaru's 4-wheel,
4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic
Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Brake Assist analyzes
the force and stroke on the brake pedal and increases hydraulic boost
to provide enhanced emergency braking, also activating the ABS system
early if needed.

All seats provide 3-point seatbelts (height-adjustable for outboard
front seat positions), and the front seatbelts have force limiters and
electrically triggered pre-tensioners. Front seat-mounted side airbags
and side curtain airbags are standard on all Subaru models. The Subaru
Advanced Frontal Airbag System (SRS) features a passenger side
front-seat sensor module that detects occupancy and passenger weight to
control airbag deployment. As part of the system, the dashboard
features an airbag indicator light.

About Subaru Canada, Inc.

Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy
Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the
company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories
through a network of more than 85 authorized dealers across Canada. For
complete information about the entire Subaru lineup, including
specifications, go to www.subaru.ca.